NOVEL NEXT 12: Step by Step
“Thank you very much.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes. I’m going out for a bit.”
“Where are you going?”
“To the town below the castle. There are some materials I need.”
“If you need something, I’ll—”
“I can get it at the market, so there’s no need to trouble Prince Silva. I’ll be back by evening.”
“I see…”
Prince Silva sat down heavily, his shoulders slumping. It was clear he was disappointed. To reassure him, I smiled.
“I’ll make sure to buy something delicious if I find it. Please go about your work without worry.”
I gently pushed him towards his work, seeing the longing in his eyes. I also instructed the servants to leave and changed into a discreet outfit.
After organizing the medicines I’d been making for the past month and preparing the batch for the pharmacy, I put some money in a cloth bag and donned a robe.
Due to the Gonyan fruit cake, my outings from the castle were already known to the people here. However, it would be too conspicuous if a person descended from the sky.
If word got out that someone mysterious had left the castle, it would be difficult to move around. Sticking to the usual way was best, so I used wind magic to head to the town below.
As always, my first stop was the pharmacy. It had been a month since I last passed through its door. The shopkeeper was organizing the goods.
“Young lady, you haven’t shown your face at all. Did you get a lover? The smell of beastman is getting stronger.”
“Well, I have someone similar to that.”
We aren’t exactly lovers, but we are like a married couple. The reason I haven’t been able to visit the pharmacy was out of consideration for them. The shopkeeper’s words weren’t entirely wrong.
To avoid further probing, I quickly changed the subject and took out the medicine.
“Here’s today’s delivery.”
“I’ve been waiting for it.”
I arranged everything swiftly and received money in exchange. With that money, I bought bottles and cases for the medicine.
“Twenty bottles and ten cases each, right? You’re buying big ones today too.”
“Yes. Do you have any spray bottles?”
“Spray bottles? Are you growing plants?”
“I’m going to spray the mixed medicine.”
“Oh, how about this? It’s something apothecaries who make lotions often buy.”
From the drawer under the shelf, the shopkeeper took out a small pink bottle. The bottle itself had floral designs, which was quite charming. I didn’t expect something so cute and was taken aback.
But the important thing is not its appearance, but whether it works as a spray bottle.
I also wanted to check how much liquid comes out with one spray. I opened the lid and examined the nozzle. It was a single hole, larger than the ones used at the church. It might be a bit too much.
“Can I try it with water? I want to check the amount. If it’s good, I’d like to buy a few.”
“Go ahead. Let me fill it with water.”
“Please.”
After confirming that the water sprayed out finely, I decided to buy five bottles.
“What are you making?”
“Hair care spray. It’s popular in the Kingdom of Giranga.”
“Your apothecary makes such things too? Will you supply us if you make more?”
“No, this time it’s for personal use.”
“Can’t you make more somehow?”
“This time, it’s mixed to address specific problems, so it’s difficult.”
The process itself isn’t too hard, but considering the time needed to dry the wild herbs, making even one type takes a while.
Before the dryness worsens, I can only make enough for Prince Silva and myself.
“I see, then it can’t be helped.”
“Sorry. By the way, I’m planning to start mixing hand cream soon. Will you buy it?”
“Of course. People usually use imported hand creams from the general store, but when it gets really dry, they come running to the pharmacy.”
“This year looks like it will be particularly dry, so I think many people will be troubled.”
“Bring all you make, not just ten, even in different containers.”
“I’ll let them know.”
As I walked out of the pharmacy, I thought about giving some hand cream as a gift.
But I quickly dismissed the idea. Although Prince Silva’s hands were rugged like a man’s, they had no injuries or roughness. He truly was a prince.
“I’ll just make my own. I want to put it in a different-shaped case so I don’t mix it up with the ones for sale.”
Today, since I don’t have to worry about the flow of the wind, I can take my time looking at the shops on my way to the market. I found a general store among them. It seems they sell jars for storing sweets and ribbons for wrapping.
With a clink, I entered the shop. It was my first time entering such a store. Besides me, there were other customers, but I was the only one shopping alone. The customers near the entrance were friends, chatting happily about the gifts they were going to give.
In this space, I felt a bit out of place. I decided to quickly buy what I needed and leave.
I found the shelf with empty bottles. I figured this area was for handmade items, so I focused on searching there.
The item I was looking for was on the bottom shelf next to it, quietly sitting at my feet. It wasn’t a case for medicine, but a ceramic sugar pot with a spoon.
Its seal wasn’t tight, but the hand cream is only used when dryness is severe. It’s not something used for long periods, and it’s troublesome to look around for other options. I quickly took it to the register and paid.
Leaving the general store, I walked towards the west gate. As usual, the main part of the market was here.
I bought ingredients for mixing, then moved to the area where food was displayed.
I looked for something unusual that could be a souvenir for Prince Silva. Despite searching for a while, I found nothing new. Everything was familiar.
After quenching my thirst with lemonade from a nearby juice stand, I decided to return quietly to the castle.
Once back in my room, carried by the wind, I immediately started making the hair care spray.
First, I began by boiling the wild herbs.
While they were simmering until they were completely softened, I crushed several kinds of medicinal herbs and nuts, soaking them in water.
Both the boiled and soaked mixtures were left for five to ten days.
It was necessary to wait until the liquid separated clearly, using only the upper layer. I repeatedly strained and separated both mixtures through a fine cloth several times.
Finally, I mixed the two and boiled them again, removing any sediment before letting it cool to complete the process.
Even though I was only making two kinds this time, it was quite labor-intensive and time-consuming.
When I was making them at the church, we divided the types we were in charge of. Mixing them up would change their efficacy, so we also added slight scents and colors to differentiate them.
While reminiscing about those times, I simultaneously started making the hand cream.
As I kneaded the base medicinal herbs, Silva returned.
“You’re back. What are you making?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“A surprise? When will I know?”
“Before it gets really cold.”
“I don’t like the cold, but if there’s a surprise to look forward to, it might not be so bad.”
Prince Silva sat down gently beside me with a kind smile.
When I was using it alone, the mat was spacious, but now it felt a bit cramped. However, this closeness made the impending cold seem less daunting.
“Rana.”
“Yes?”
“Today’s dessert is cheesecake… I’ll give you half of mine.”
“But cheesecake is your favorite, Prince Silva…”
“Because you came back today.”
“Were you worried?”
“Just a little.”
“Then I’ll give you a hint about what I’m making now.”
With that preface, I whispered into Prince Silva’s ear.
“It’s a present for you.”
Prince Silva’s eyes widened, and he began wagging his tail happily.
If he’s willing to share his favorite cheesecake, then I’ll offer half of my favorite meal. Sharing what we love might bring us even closer.
Step by step. Slowly is fine.
Aiming for the day when I can become an equal partner with Prince Silva, I continued stirring the pot.